Does Google have a negative effect on office design?
- Sarah Jackson
- Jun 13, 2018
- 2 min read
Google are renowned for their exciting and fun office designs which promote their brand ethos that having an imaginative space to work in will encourage imaginative ways of thinking. For example, their Tel Aviv headquarters now has an artificial beach whilst one of its offices in central London includes dodgem cars, meeting rooms disguised as giant dice and colourful beach huts. At first Google to had to be persuaded to switch from the typical cubicle layout to a more unconventional work-space but reportedly didn’t look back after they discovered it had a considerable positive effect on staff productivity and motivation: "When you want people to think creatively and push the boundaries of what’s possible, their work-space shouldn’t be a drab maze of beige cubicles" (according to a Google spokesman).
In recent years there has been increased focus on office environments and the ways in which they affect the success of business’. With the widespread recognition Google has received for its office designs, many businesses are buying in to this idea of interactive work-spaces. However, in an article on the Dezeen Magazine Website Jeremy Myerson argued that “Google has had a negative effect on office design” and that their philosophy of making office spaces into creative ‘adult playgrounds’ is a risky strategy. Although Myerson insists Google’s approach is "right for their own company" ,he argues that office environments need to be fit for purpose and all companys work differently so their offices should reflect their individual personality and needs. Myerson expresses concern that engaging in ‘creative adult play’ would be viewed as avoiding work in other firms if they do not share the same unique liberal culture as Google.
There is significant evidence that interior space affects the mood and productivity of the people who inhabit it. Most offices are simply designed to cram as many workers in as possible, with little regard for design. The open-plan model, originally adopted to create a team environment isn't always appropriate but is often regarded as a 'one size fits all' solution to office design. As an interior designer, I have a keen interest in the affects of interior space on people, and I would like to do more research into varying types of office design. I hope to challenge the misconception that office design can’t or shouldn’t be fun and interesting and explore other alternative approaches to working environments. However, I understand Jeremy Myserson’s view that Google’s approach to office design may not be suitable for all companies. Designer Karen John said “no one wants to go to an anonymous gray office anymore. They want design to reflect their culture“ and I agree with this statement. I think that the key to achieving great office design lies in the ability to reflect a company's culture. It is important to first establish an understanding of brand identity, brand ethos and individual office culture in the work-place before you can really know what design style will fit. From this point, designers can create environments suited to individual business’s needs. This will in turn improve the office environment whilst developing exciting and unique branding, making the company more recognisable and approachable.
Comments